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PRINCE2

cplace Glossary

What is PRINCE2?

PRINCE2 is an internationally recognized and widely adopted project management method. It was derived from PRINCE (Projects IN Controlled Environment), which was originally developed by the UK government. The method combines a clear organizational structure, controlled project processes, and regular progress reviews with flexible decision points. This approach provides a process-oriented, product-focused, and scalable framework for efficient project management. It helps manage projects effectively and has become one of the most widely used project management methods, as it can be applied to almost any industry. PRINCE2 focuses on topics such as the continuous evaluation of business cases and the exchange of knowledge and experience.

The Four Elements of PRINCE2:

The PRINCE2 method is based on four fundamental elements:

  1. The seven principles
  2. The seven themes
  3. The seven processes
  4. The adaptation to different project environments

These Are the Seven Principles of PRINCE2:

The seven basic principles form the framework of the project and are applied regularly.

1. Ongoing business justification: Every project should deliver the expected business benefits and for this reason investment, time and resource allocation must be continually reviewed.

2. Learning from experience: Projects should always be documented in order to learn from previous projects and experiences.

3. Defined roles and responsibilities: Within the project, roles and responsibilities should be clearly divided so that everyone knows the responsibilities and tasks.

4. Manage by stages: The project is divided into different phases to ensure a better overview and monitoring of progress.

5. Defined exceptions: Certain tolerances are defined within the project, which determine the scope of action for the next higher management level.

6. Focus on the product: The product (=result) should be clearly defined. The tasks to be completed are derived and defined on the basis of the product characteristics.

7. Adaptation to the project environment: The PRINCE2 method should be applied flexibly to the respective project in order to be able to respond to the specific requirements.

These Are the Seven Themes of PRINCE2:

The seven themes can also be described as the work dimensions of a project and should be written down accordingly.

 

1. Business case: This involves developing a profitable business case from the initial idea.

2. Organization: This is where the roles and responsibilities of all contributors are defined by the project manager.

3. Quality: Quality standards should be defined from the outset to ensure consistent compliance.

4. Plans: Schedules, products, quality, expenditure and results are the focus of planning and should be set out in a goal-oriented plan to achieve the desired results.

5. Risks: Uncertainties are documented in a risk register, with negative uncertainties classified as threats and positive ones as opportunities. This serves to ensure that uncertain events during a project can be recognized, evaluated and controlled.

6. Changes: This topic ensures that the processing of change requests and any problems that may arise are addressed in a structured manner. The aim is not to prevent changes, but to manage them in a standardized procedure.

7. Progress: Progress must be continuously monitored throughout the project.

These Are the 7 Processes of PRINCE2:

The process-oriented PRINCE2 method divides projects into clearly defined process sections, which is intended to ensure that the processes are structured and organized.

 

1. Preparation of the project: First, a project mandate should be created that explains the logistical aspects of the project. Above all, the purpose, responsible persons and procedures should be named here. The project briefing is based on the mandate, the existing project documents and discussions with those involved. During preparation, feasibility should also be discussed and all necessary information for the next process should be gathered.

2. Initiation of the project: During this process, it should be determined what actions are needed to implement and complete the project. The required project dimensions are defined by the project manager (e.g. costs, time, quality, risks).

3. Directing a project: This project process applies for the entire duration of the project. The 5 activities during the process include: Initiation, delineation of phases, ad hoc alignment, consultation and approval.

4. Control of a phase: During this process, the responsibilities of team leaders and project managers are explained. The project manager organizes the project and then assigns it to the team, monitors progress and provides support where necessary. The team leaders are mainly responsible for communication between team members and the project manager and for coordinating day-to-day work.

5. Managing the product: The project process mainly involves communication between the team leader and the project manager. Product delivery is also divided into three phases: Work Package Acceptance, Execution and Handover.

6. Managing the phase transition: Each phase is reviewed by the project managers and a steering committee and a decision is made as to whether the project will continue or not. A meeting is then held with the team to discuss the lessons learned for the next phase. The main activities therefore include planning the next phase, updating the project plan and business case, and reporting the end of the previous phase.

7. Completion of the project: Since project closure is not always obvious, especially of complex projects, it is important to follow certain guidelines: official closure of the project, identification of follow-up actions, completion of the project diary and handover of the final project.

Adapt to the project environment:

As the project environment and circumstances can often change, it is important that continuous adjustments are made.

Differences to Other Methods: A Comparison of the PRINCE2 Approach:

PRINCE2 focuses primarily on the process-oriented structure and benefit orientation. The method includes a clearly defined framework with defined roles, phases and responsibilities. The continuous justification of the project (business case, one of the 7 topics) and regular benefit reviews are also essential. Through clear guidelines (e.g., a uniform approach, standardized vocabulary, and consistent documentation), PRINCE2 offers a familiar framework and orientation for all those familiar with the approach.

Even though PRINCE2 focuses on flexibility and customization, it is a relatively rigid framework in itself and is more akin to traditional project management methods. PRINCE2 Agile is not a new approach, but rather a guideline for combining PRINCE2 with agile methods and techniques such as Scrum or Kanban.

Example: Concrete difference between PRINCE2 and Scrum

PRINCE2 is designed more for long-term and extensive projects and offers a clearly structured approach. Scrum, on the other hand, is a very flexible method that is used for projects where requirements can change significantly over time, such as software projects.

How to Implement PRINCE2 into Your Company:

Before introducing the method into the company, a needs analysis should be carried out to determine the specific objectives and requirements of the project. For the correct application of PRINCE2, it is recommended that the project team and relevant stakeholders attend training courses. The procedure can then be adapted to the specific requirements and integrated into the existing processes. In addition, all responsibilities, roles and tasks should be clearly defined in advance. In the meantime, usage should be continuously optimized and monitored in order to apply PRINCE2 in the best possible way.

cplace PRINCE2 Solution:

cplace is a flexible platform for next-generation project and portfolio management that allows companies to map procedures and processes in the way that suits them best. With the help of the cplace PPM solution kit, they are able to design individual solutions themselves. In doing so, they can take full account of divisional and department-specific requirements and at the same time benefit from the advantages of a central database (single source of truth).

cplace supports the PRINCE2 method with its PRINCE2 Solution Template, which were developed by its partner Tiba Technologieberatung. It ensures efficient and structured project implementation, offers comprehensive risk management and thus promotes project success. Even for users who have no previous PRINCE2 experience, the solution template offers comprehensive training materials and documentation to ensure user-friendliness. The template can be used for projects of varying size and complexity as it is highly customizable.